CENTRAL Queensland residents are showing their generous spirit once again by factoring in a blood donation during the Australian Red Cross Blood Service's Blood Blitz.

The Blood Blitz is a campaign run in a bid to shore up stocks for cancer and emergency surgery patients whose need for blood doesn't take a break.

Community relations officer Hollie Hall said some blood products only have a shelf life of five days which means anything collected before the Christmas long weekend will either expire or be depleted by Boxing Day.

"We know Christmas is an important time for people to spend with family and friends, but spare a thought for the many Australians who have a loved one in hospital and in need of blood, with the hope of spending another Christmas together.

"For them, the perfect Christmas gift would be blood; the gift of life," she said.

The Gladstone Blood Donor Centre will be opening extra sessions over the festive season to help replenish stocks.

Open Boxing Day from 9.30am-12.30pm as well as Saturday, December 29 from 9.30am-11.30am. To book a holiday donation in today phone 131495 or visit donateblood.com.au.